An Introduction to Theories of Personality

by Robert B. Ewen (Editor)

First published in 2009. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Reference

480 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1980

Reviews

[Mihai_Elrond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gem in understanding the basics of the theories of personality, a fundamental part of psychology. In a crystal-clear style, Robert Ewen presents the most important psychology theoreticians (Freud, Jung, Adler, Horney, Fromm, Sullivan, Erikson, Carl Rogers, Maslow, Rollo May, Skinner, Bandura and some more).

The most important aspects of the various theories of personality are treated with a critical eye, giving perspectives and inviting the reader to form his own opinion. The theories are complex and many of the famous personalities have a list of neologisms. The author comes up with a smart idea to make it easier to grasp: the  smart book structure - a frame for each theory. At the end of each chapter (one for each theory) there is a section of questions for study which I found to be of tremendous value. There are no "correct" answers (so is life, isn't it?), only some commentaries and suggestions from the author. Another star move from the author was the inclusion of the study-case. The pages are all the way covered with wisdom and elegance. Robert Ewen is a beacon of hope, guiding us on dark waters.

At the end of this book, you probably have a lot of questions (hopefully more than at the beginning) but there is a certain clarity earned, some guidelines, in this vast ocean called psychology (a vastness that reminds us of the unconscious).

There are more to be said about this great book, but more will overpower you? I'll leave you with that and go for a dive in that above-mentioned ocean.

[Khali Liddiard]

good read. this book has me thinking a lot

[August · Rating 3 out of 5]

God introduktion til emnet

[Maarja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ewen gives a good chronological overview of the main theories of personality, starting with psychoanalysis and finishing with social cognitive theory. Each theory is compared to the next, so by the end you'll have a good grasp of how they all evolved from and relate to each other. It's easy to read and covers the main points in a clear, structured way, adding information about how something was received at the time and how it's viewed nowadays. Excellent for study purposes if you're new to personality theories.